This spoke to me tonight...
God Is So Good
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. God is so good, God is so good,
God is so good, God's so good to me.
2. God cares for me, God cares for me,
God cares for me, God's so good to me.
3. God loves me so, God loves me so,
God loves me so, God's so good to me.
4. God is so good, God is so good,
God is so good, God's so good to me.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Making it my home
Home is where we feel comfortable or as the overused phrase goes, "where the heart is."
My wife and I recently moved into a new house (may 2005). Following the examples of some courageous salvationist, Major John and Marty Needham, Captains Geoff and Sandra Ryan, Captains Stephen Court and Danielle Strickland we were inspired to move into the heart of the city.
Frankly, I was scared to death. My perception of the inner city was that it was hostile to people like me. People like me? What do I mean? Middle class, white, suburban, best schools all my life, low crime...ect. I thought my mere presence in this area would provoke violence against me and my family.
Things were quiet for the summer and I started to feel a little comfortable there. I thought, "It may just not be that bad." Then in August, a new neighbor moved into our block. It was obvious by the foot traffick and gun shots that came with the new neighbor that this was a bad element in the neighborhood. It took three months but the police eventually caught on and the Highly trained drug task force officers arrested my new neighbor. We had a visitor in the middle of the night the night of the arrests that blocked my car in and came knocking on my back door.
I had taken a self defense class once and the instructor had told us that nothing good ever comes from behind. The guy was arrested on my property when he didn't have a good reason for being there.
All of my past fears kicked back up again. For two weeks we stayed out of the house. I read on Carole's web site that when she went to Eastern Europe she started praying, "Lord, Make this my home."
That thought has stayed with me. I began praying that prayer. I had been living in a house but I wanted it to be my home.
The other day my next door neighbor, a recent transfer from New Orleans came over and asked for prayer because her husband, an alchoholic had disappeared two days before with her truck. We prayed with her and a couple of days later he showed back up. She has taken him to the hospital for help (again). Then the next night my neighbor across the street, a single mom with five children who works outside the city, had her car repossessed at 4 am. She came and asked for a ride to the grocery store the next day. My dad was over and we were happy to take her.
And over the course of time I have begun to have a different perspective about the place where I sleep at night. I may not be an outsider. I am just one of them. My home is in a dangerous place. But it isn't just my house that is there. It is my heart and my neighbors. And I am thankful for the models of courage that have led me here.
My wife and I recently moved into a new house (may 2005). Following the examples of some courageous salvationist, Major John and Marty Needham, Captains Geoff and Sandra Ryan, Captains Stephen Court and Danielle Strickland we were inspired to move into the heart of the city.
Frankly, I was scared to death. My perception of the inner city was that it was hostile to people like me. People like me? What do I mean? Middle class, white, suburban, best schools all my life, low crime...ect. I thought my mere presence in this area would provoke violence against me and my family.
Things were quiet for the summer and I started to feel a little comfortable there. I thought, "It may just not be that bad." Then in August, a new neighbor moved into our block. It was obvious by the foot traffick and gun shots that came with the new neighbor that this was a bad element in the neighborhood. It took three months but the police eventually caught on and the Highly trained drug task force officers arrested my new neighbor. We had a visitor in the middle of the night the night of the arrests that blocked my car in and came knocking on my back door.
I had taken a self defense class once and the instructor had told us that nothing good ever comes from behind. The guy was arrested on my property when he didn't have a good reason for being there.
All of my past fears kicked back up again. For two weeks we stayed out of the house. I read on Carole's web site that when she went to Eastern Europe she started praying, "Lord, Make this my home."
That thought has stayed with me. I began praying that prayer. I had been living in a house but I wanted it to be my home.
The other day my next door neighbor, a recent transfer from New Orleans came over and asked for prayer because her husband, an alchoholic had disappeared two days before with her truck. We prayed with her and a couple of days later he showed back up. She has taken him to the hospital for help (again). Then the next night my neighbor across the street, a single mom with five children who works outside the city, had her car repossessed at 4 am. She came and asked for a ride to the grocery store the next day. My dad was over and we were happy to take her.
And over the course of time I have begun to have a different perspective about the place where I sleep at night. I may not be an outsider. I am just one of them. My home is in a dangerous place. But it isn't just my house that is there. It is my heart and my neighbors. And I am thankful for the models of courage that have led me here.
Monday, February 20, 2006
February
Found this on the web somewhere:
Whatever storms we have weathered,
whatever difficulties we have endured these
past few weeks,
We are at least grateful now for a noticeable
lengthening of days:
For more abundant sunlight glancing off icicles,
resplendent upon snowy fields.
We have reached a turning point in winter, and
though remote, Spring seems possible now.
Nevertheless, February spreads out before us,
a short but often frigid month – winter’s
doldrums, we would say.
Holiday gaiety is already half-forgotten; daf-
fodils, those harbingers of Spring, still are
deeply dormant.
And what consolations has February to offer?
What does it promise besides four weeks of
cold, Lenten discipline and lessons in self-
denial?
It is, thank heaven, a month restricted in most
years to twenty-eight days. Who would
wish it more?
And yet, this can be a precious time; an oppor-
tunity for making and renewing connections,
for forging bonds of community.
A dearth of distractions is the hidden blessing
of February:
No World Series, Kris Kringle or Cows on the
Concourse.
It is free of graduations; weddings and vaca-
tions are also few.
What good, then, is February?
Of all the months of the year, it is the one
during which we can be most present for
one another –
At home, in the workplace and in our spiritual
community. If this unpraised and underap-
preciated month is in may ways a test of
our endurance, may it also be a test of our
affections.
And may we remember that when we hold
onto each other and skate through it
together,
February can be warm, and it can be quite
lovely. (MAS, 2002)
Whatever storms we have weathered,
whatever difficulties we have endured these
past few weeks,
We are at least grateful now for a noticeable
lengthening of days:
For more abundant sunlight glancing off icicles,
resplendent upon snowy fields.
We have reached a turning point in winter, and
though remote, Spring seems possible now.
Nevertheless, February spreads out before us,
a short but often frigid month – winter’s
doldrums, we would say.
Holiday gaiety is already half-forgotten; daf-
fodils, those harbingers of Spring, still are
deeply dormant.
And what consolations has February to offer?
What does it promise besides four weeks of
cold, Lenten discipline and lessons in self-
denial?
It is, thank heaven, a month restricted in most
years to twenty-eight days. Who would
wish it more?
And yet, this can be a precious time; an oppor-
tunity for making and renewing connections,
for forging bonds of community.
A dearth of distractions is the hidden blessing
of February:
No World Series, Kris Kringle or Cows on the
Concourse.
It is free of graduations; weddings and vaca-
tions are also few.
What good, then, is February?
Of all the months of the year, it is the one
during which we can be most present for
one another –
At home, in the workplace and in our spiritual
community. If this unpraised and underap-
preciated month is in may ways a test of
our endurance, may it also be a test of our
affections.
And may we remember that when we hold
onto each other and skate through it
together,
February can be warm, and it can be quite
lovely. (MAS, 2002)
Friday, February 17, 2006
Republic of Georgia
I have been to the Republic of Georgia on three different mission trips. Whenever I tell people this they generally look at me with a blank stare as if to say, "you live in Georgia." Then I go on to explain to them that it is a country in the former soviet union.
The first trip that I took to Georgia was in 1995. It was just a couple of years after the soviet union fell so the air of democracy was still fresh at the time. We spent ten weeks there running camps for refugee children, doing open airs, preaching in church, teaching in Sunday School and visiting corps members homes. It was the most intensive soldier training I have ever seen. It changed my heart and life. From that point on I knew that I wanted to be involved with life changing ministry.
The Second trip that I took to Georgia was in 1999. My fried Curtis was working there at the time as the Divisional Youth Officer. A group of friends and I had put together a band to play some songs at our youth councils here in Georgia, USA. I started to think about the kids in Georgia. Our youth councils could drop thousands of dollars on a weekend event. Our brass bands take trips each year which cost thousands of dollars. Why could we not spend some money to send this band over to georgia so their kids could enjoy what our kids take for granted? Well, I put together a proposal, and I began to realize how political things can get in a headquarters city. But I knew that this would be a good thing so I stuck with it. And God opened the doors and the trip happened.
We spent a month there ministering through our music but also through relationships. I saw my friends find they same love for Georgia that I had. I saw kids ministered to through out music. I saw a vision accomplished.
My third trip I went back to Georgia by myself upon the request of Gia and Eka Salarishvilli. They were corps officers of the Rustavi corps and they wanted me to come up with ideas for them in their teen ministry. What I saw on this trip broke my heart. Water was only on from 6am-8am each day. The School systems were inefficient and corrupt. Unemployment rates were extremely high. Hopelessness was prevalent.
On this trip I met three boys who were around 12, had never been to school, begged for money all day and then used the money to buy bags of glue to sniff. They were filthy dirty. As a shower every day american, it was difficult for me to love them. But I heard God saying, "Touch their poverty!" It was his voice that broke my heart. I reached out and have never been the same since.
Short term mission trips can change people's lives. They can add a depth of perspective and character not achievable in the states. I have heard some say why do we spend so much time sending our youth off on these "adventures?" It is because "God loves the world so much that He sent His only son that whosoever (this means the dirty street kids on drugs who don't have an ounce of hope to hang their hat on are as eligible as the businessman down the street) will may be saved."
The first trip that I took to Georgia was in 1995. It was just a couple of years after the soviet union fell so the air of democracy was still fresh at the time. We spent ten weeks there running camps for refugee children, doing open airs, preaching in church, teaching in Sunday School and visiting corps members homes. It was the most intensive soldier training I have ever seen. It changed my heart and life. From that point on I knew that I wanted to be involved with life changing ministry.
The Second trip that I took to Georgia was in 1999. My fried Curtis was working there at the time as the Divisional Youth Officer. A group of friends and I had put together a band to play some songs at our youth councils here in Georgia, USA. I started to think about the kids in Georgia. Our youth councils could drop thousands of dollars on a weekend event. Our brass bands take trips each year which cost thousands of dollars. Why could we not spend some money to send this band over to georgia so their kids could enjoy what our kids take for granted? Well, I put together a proposal, and I began to realize how political things can get in a headquarters city. But I knew that this would be a good thing so I stuck with it. And God opened the doors and the trip happened.
We spent a month there ministering through our music but also through relationships. I saw my friends find they same love for Georgia that I had. I saw kids ministered to through out music. I saw a vision accomplished.
My third trip I went back to Georgia by myself upon the request of Gia and Eka Salarishvilli. They were corps officers of the Rustavi corps and they wanted me to come up with ideas for them in their teen ministry. What I saw on this trip broke my heart. Water was only on from 6am-8am each day. The School systems were inefficient and corrupt. Unemployment rates were extremely high. Hopelessness was prevalent.
On this trip I met three boys who were around 12, had never been to school, begged for money all day and then used the money to buy bags of glue to sniff. They were filthy dirty. As a shower every day american, it was difficult for me to love them. But I heard God saying, "Touch their poverty!" It was his voice that broke my heart. I reached out and have never been the same since.
Short term mission trips can change people's lives. They can add a depth of perspective and character not achievable in the states. I have heard some say why do we spend so much time sending our youth off on these "adventures?" It is because "God loves the world so much that He sent His only son that whosoever (this means the dirty street kids on drugs who don't have an ounce of hope to hang their hat on are as eligible as the businessman down the street) will may be saved."
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Run Away to Join the Circus
I took my wife to Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey last night for V-day. It was great. As I was sitting there watching the clowns, the trapeze artists, the lion tamers and the ladies riding the elephants the circus master said,"raise your hand if you have ever wondered what it would be like to run away and join the circus." Then he pointed to everyone and said, "well...these people DID!"
Being and imaginative, literallist, ADD, Daydreamer I of course drifted off into my thoughts about what it would be like to run away and join the circus. These people were tremendous performers. My mind first went to the economic possibilities. Maybe this is a way into show business? But then I thought that is probably not it. And then I wondered about there salaries. Maybe they make really good money. I checked with my wife. I am sure she was startled when about ten minutes after the announcement had been made I blurted out of no where, "Do you think they get paid very well."
Her laugh brought me back to reality. Stupid question. She graciously responded, "I don't think so." I went back to my dreaming. So could it be the lure of the bright colors, the wonder of making people laugh and the joy of living in a community of people that are all set on one purpose? Could it be an alternate lifestyle than the one offered in the current culture? Could these people actually be searching for something that transcends the every day?
No that couldn't be it either! That would be more absurd than them making huge salaries. People in this world these days just don't think like that anymore, do they? I mean people think goals, money, success. I was shocked out of my norm and spent the rest of the time wondering what it would be like to be on the road with them.
Being and imaginative, literallist, ADD, Daydreamer I of course drifted off into my thoughts about what it would be like to run away and join the circus. These people were tremendous performers. My mind first went to the economic possibilities. Maybe this is a way into show business? But then I thought that is probably not it. And then I wondered about there salaries. Maybe they make really good money. I checked with my wife. I am sure she was startled when about ten minutes after the announcement had been made I blurted out of no where, "Do you think they get paid very well."
Her laugh brought me back to reality. Stupid question. She graciously responded, "I don't think so." I went back to my dreaming. So could it be the lure of the bright colors, the wonder of making people laugh and the joy of living in a community of people that are all set on one purpose? Could it be an alternate lifestyle than the one offered in the current culture? Could these people actually be searching for something that transcends the every day?
No that couldn't be it either! That would be more absurd than them making huge salaries. People in this world these days just don't think like that anymore, do they? I mean people think goals, money, success. I was shocked out of my norm and spent the rest of the time wondering what it would be like to be on the road with them.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Gettin the Word Out
I saw this car the other day driving through my neighborhood. Feel free to give him a call if you disagree...
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Dependency
I was just having a conversation over break with some of the Divisional Staff about how the world service money from America supports the majority of the Salvation Army ministries in the world.
We talked about how we could change that trend so that the army would be stronger. We wanted to know if there could be ways found so that the Army could support its work in each country through resources found in their countries? The thought came up that we in America don't believe in self support. Our largest corps in Atlanta is given heavy support funds, our teenagers don't pay their own way to youth councils, it just isn't a principle we teach.
As I walked away from the conversation my mind began to drift to the terrorist attacks of 911. If the Salvation Army world and the youth of America are so heavily dependent upon the financial resources extracted from America's economy, what happens if the economy tanks? Will we lose the mission and testimony of the Army world wide?
We talked about how we could change that trend so that the army would be stronger. We wanted to know if there could be ways found so that the Army could support its work in each country through resources found in their countries? The thought came up that we in America don't believe in self support. Our largest corps in Atlanta is given heavy support funds, our teenagers don't pay their own way to youth councils, it just isn't a principle we teach.
As I walked away from the conversation my mind began to drift to the terrorist attacks of 911. If the Salvation Army world and the youth of America are so heavily dependent upon the financial resources extracted from America's economy, what happens if the economy tanks? Will we lose the mission and testimony of the Army world wide?
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Roots
I am still trying to process this last weekend. As an event I felt it went well! It was encouraging to hear the conversations that were happening around the corps building as a result of the meetings. The attendance was high. The Territorial cabinet was there. Salvationist from other Territories were there. It was cool.
But I think the coolest part for me was when God showed up for me personally. It was the last song of the event. Graham Kendrick was the guest worship leader for the weekend. He wrote "Shine Jesus Shine." Well I used to really get into that song but that was about ten years ago. That's how I knew I was having a God moment. The Spirit was breaking through to me. The words were new once again!
All weekend we had begun every meeting by lighting candles in the outline of a cross. We were told that the early Christians had just such a tradition and that it represented Christ's living presence with us in the room. It was in this context in a dimly lit room that I heard these words...
Lord, the light of your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us
Set us free by the truth you now bring us
Shine on me, shine on me
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light
Lord, I come to your awesome presence
From the shadows into your radiance
By the blood I may enter your brightness
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness
Shine on me, shine on me
As we gaze on your kingly brightness
So our faces display your likeness
Ever changing from glory to glory
Mirrored here may our lives tell your story
Shine on me, shine on me
Graham Kendrick
Copyright © 1987 Make Way Music,
But I think the coolest part for me was when God showed up for me personally. It was the last song of the event. Graham Kendrick was the guest worship leader for the weekend. He wrote "Shine Jesus Shine." Well I used to really get into that song but that was about ten years ago. That's how I knew I was having a God moment. The Spirit was breaking through to me. The words were new once again!
All weekend we had begun every meeting by lighting candles in the outline of a cross. We were told that the early Christians had just such a tradition and that it represented Christ's living presence with us in the room. It was in this context in a dimly lit room that I heard these words...
Lord, the light of your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us
Set us free by the truth you now bring us
Shine on me, shine on me
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light
Lord, I come to your awesome presence
From the shadows into your radiance
By the blood I may enter your brightness
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness
Shine on me, shine on me
As we gaze on your kingly brightness
So our faces display your likeness
Ever changing from glory to glory
Mirrored here may our lives tell your story
Shine on me, shine on me
Graham Kendrick
Copyright © 1987 Make Way Music,
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
operation II
Just to let you know that my friend's wife has been permitted to come home from hospital. It was felt that her further recovery would be best suited to being at home. The miraculous news is that the tumours were not malignant this time. It really is a miracle. We praise the Lord.
Thank you for your prayers and faith.
Thank you for your prayers and faith.
End of the Spear
I went to a preview of the above movie. They have sent me the following letter that they want me to send out to my friends. I am posting the letter instead. I thought the movie was good and the story is definitely powerful but I am still trying to get my head around the way they used the same actor with just a baseball cap and a long haired wig as an age enhancement for a character who had aged 30 supposed years...here's there letter...
Subject Line: End of the Spear- a must see film !
Hello Friends,
Recently, I had the opportunity to see a "sneak preview" of a motion
picture film called End of the Spear. It was incredible! It is the
story of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, and their three young missionary friends
who were speared to death in the jungles of Ecuador exactly 50 years ago.
The amazing story of conversion and forgiveness that resulted from the
wife and sister of these young missionaries, continuing to reach out to
the tribe is a wonderful witness to the power of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The film has been endorsed by hundreds of ministry heads such as James
Robison, Joyce Meyer, John Maxwell, John Bevere, Ted Haggard, and Peter
Bradley- The President of the International Bible Society.
End of the Spear is releasing in 1200 theatres nationwide on January 20th.
The way the film is produced makes it very "non-threatening" to an
unbeliever, so it would be great to bring your non Christian friends to as
well. (Lots of action and danger) .
You can visit www.endofthespear.com to view a trailer, and to locate the
theatre nearest you under "Group Sales" on the home page, and if you want
to, it would be great to forward this information to your buddy list and
ask them to email their buddy list, etc. !! As we spread the word, and
box office sales rise, it is one more significant step in using the power
of film to shape the culture of our nation and the world in a positive,
God-centered direction.
Have an awesome New Year !!!
Subject Line: End of the Spear- a must see film !
Hello Friends,
Recently, I had the opportunity to see a "sneak preview" of a motion
picture film called End of the Spear. It was incredible! It is the
story of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, and their three young missionary friends
who were speared to death in the jungles of Ecuador exactly 50 years ago.
The amazing story of conversion and forgiveness that resulted from the
wife and sister of these young missionaries, continuing to reach out to
the tribe is a wonderful witness to the power of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The film has been endorsed by hundreds of ministry heads such as James
Robison, Joyce Meyer, John Maxwell, John Bevere, Ted Haggard, and Peter
Bradley- The President of the International Bible Society.
End of the Spear is releasing in 1200 theatres nationwide on January 20th.
The way the film is produced makes it very "non-threatening" to an
unbeliever, so it would be great to bring your non Christian friends to as
well. (Lots of action and danger) .
You can visit www.endofthespear.com to view a trailer, and to locate the
theatre nearest you under "Group Sales" on the home page, and if you want
to, it would be great to forward this information to your buddy list and
ask them to email their buddy list, etc. !! As we spread the word, and
box office sales rise, it is one more significant step in using the power
of film to shape the culture of our nation and the world in a positive,
God-centered direction.
Have an awesome New Year !!!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Operation
The following is an email from my friend whose wife underwent surgery last week. Please pray for them...
She had her operation on Thursday. As on previous occasions, she was wheeled into the theatre singing aloud 'In thee O Lord do I put my trust'. Amazing - and quite an experience for the theatre technicians ! She was 'away' for five and a half hours. As expected, it proved to be a very serious operation indeed. and the surgeons told me that had serious anxieties for her. Three surgeons worked on her throughout the operation with other doctors in support.
Major complications arose as a result of her previous operations. This is not the time and place for too much detail, suffice to say that her remaining internal organs had to be surgically separated before the new stoma for her ileostomy could be fashioned.
It is mainly as a result of this that she is in so much pain. It was not medically possible to give her an epidural, so her main form of pain control is morphine. This is causing her to be very confused and distressed, all of which is compounded by her blindness which she is still adjusting to, of course. It is very hard for her not to have any idea where she is and what is going on around her. The hospital asked me to stay with her as much as possible, especially through the nights, so I have been doing that. I've done a 20 hour stint, had a six hour break, and now I have just come home from a 15 hour period with her. I am now going to grab some sleep before going back this afternoon.
The doctors say the next few days are critical to her recovery, but the encouraging news is that all the 'numbers' (temperature, blood pressure etc) are settling down. She has now been allowed to drink, but it will be some time before she can take any food, She remains very poorly, in a lot of pain and confusion, and in the high dependency unit, but we believe she will continue to improve.
She had her operation on Thursday. As on previous occasions, she was wheeled into the theatre singing aloud 'In thee O Lord do I put my trust'. Amazing - and quite an experience for the theatre technicians ! She was 'away' for five and a half hours. As expected, it proved to be a very serious operation indeed. and the surgeons told me that had serious anxieties for her. Three surgeons worked on her throughout the operation with other doctors in support.
Major complications arose as a result of her previous operations. This is not the time and place for too much detail, suffice to say that her remaining internal organs had to be surgically separated before the new stoma for her ileostomy could be fashioned.
It is mainly as a result of this that she is in so much pain. It was not medically possible to give her an epidural, so her main form of pain control is morphine. This is causing her to be very confused and distressed, all of which is compounded by her blindness which she is still adjusting to, of course. It is very hard for her not to have any idea where she is and what is going on around her. The hospital asked me to stay with her as much as possible, especially through the nights, so I have been doing that. I've done a 20 hour stint, had a six hour break, and now I have just come home from a 15 hour period with her. I am now going to grab some sleep before going back this afternoon.
The doctors say the next few days are critical to her recovery, but the encouraging news is that all the 'numbers' (temperature, blood pressure etc) are settling down. She has now been allowed to drink, but it will be some time before she can take any food, She remains very poorly, in a lot of pain and confusion, and in the high dependency unit, but we believe she will continue to improve.
Friday, December 30, 2005
The Poor Will Always Be With You
I have been thinking about poverty the last couple of days. Jesus said the poor will always be with you. I remember reading somewhere that poverty, physical poverty (I know there is a spiritual poverty as well, but this isn't what I am talking about) is really alienation from a society on the basis of wealth. The term poor is a relative term. So in a society like in the US our poor may have hot water, electricity, TV ect. But they are still poor because they are alienated (haves vs. have nots). But there has to be a difference between poor and struggle for survival. There are areas in the world where poverty has placed people in a daily fight for survival.
I have heard this statement, that the poor will always be with us, said many times as a reason why Christian churches don't need to focus on the poor in society. They need to focus on worshipping Jesus because the point of the passage is that the poor will always be with you. So when it comes to poverty that breeds inhumane conditions, the church still doesn't engage. Why? Because the poor will always be with you so they see this as a losing battle. No matter how much they engage it won't change the situation.
But I wonder if perhaps the situation can change. Perhaps the whole level of the world's living can be raised so that those who are considered poor, or alienated from the general society because of their wealth, will still have everything they need to live. I think of it in terms of illness and doctors. What if the doctors were to say you know the sick have always been with us and always will be. Everytime we come up with a cure a new disease comes along. Instead lets just focus on studying medicine and never applying it. The world would be a much worse place. The truth is that because of the doctors intentional efforts to solve medical issues the expected living age and quality of life has risen.
Wonder what would happen if the whole church engaged itself with the poor?
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Fat with Material Goods
I was reading the Easter to Easter devotional today. Major Hinson uses the passage when Jesus went into the Temple and cleared out the money changers to prepare a place for prayer. This area was supposed to be a place of prayer "for all nations." Instead it had become the market place of only one nation.
I had a vision of our own country. In this vision we were all in that area of the Temple. There we were carrying on our religious functions in the wealthiest of manners. We bought the nicest buildings, furnished them with altars we couldn't afford, went into debt to attract people for the kingdom.
But across the world and across the street in some cases, children made altars out of trash piles and prayed for God to save them.
I had a vision of our own country. In this vision we were all in that area of the Temple. There we were carrying on our religious functions in the wealthiest of manners. We bought the nicest buildings, furnished them with altars we couldn't afford, went into debt to attract people for the kingdom.
But across the world and across the street in some cases, children made altars out of trash piles and prayed for God to save them.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Christmas!
Well, just a little over an hour left in a day that I have been thinking about since June. My favorite season of the year. So forgive me if I am feeling just a little bit down. I am so glad that New Years falls just after Christmas. It gives me something to look forward to after the big day. I just want to take a moment to thank God for all that He is and does in this world and my life.
The world is a mighty messed up place. I got news from a friend today that his wife will be going through a major surgery within the next week. She has cancer and the situation does not look good. So today, while the rest of the world is merry, I doubt that they are "feeling" so merry. And honestly, it is difficult for me to feel merry with the weight of this news on my shoulders. It just seems like Christmas should be different. It seems like the world should be different.
Several friends have blogged about how Christ's virgin birth into this world was so fairytailish and yet we have heard the story so many times that it has become mundane. Well pain doesn't allow it to be mundane. Christ, this anomaly, is the reality of hope in a sinful world.
Merry Christmas!
The world is a mighty messed up place. I got news from a friend today that his wife will be going through a major surgery within the next week. She has cancer and the situation does not look good. So today, while the rest of the world is merry, I doubt that they are "feeling" so merry. And honestly, it is difficult for me to feel merry with the weight of this news on my shoulders. It just seems like Christmas should be different. It seems like the world should be different.
Several friends have blogged about how Christ's virgin birth into this world was so fairytailish and yet we have heard the story so many times that it has become mundane. Well pain doesn't allow it to be mundane. Christ, this anomaly, is the reality of hope in a sinful world.
Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Predestination
What's the difference between an Arminian who doesn't believe and act on behalf of world evangelism and a person who believes in predestination?
Not much.
For predestination believes that some people are predestined to hell.
And all over the world there are people who have never heard the gospel. And how can they believe if they haven't heard? And how can they be saved if they don't believe?
So if you believe that God wants all men to be saved then YOU must help provide them the opportunity. You can sit around in North America all day and debate the predestination and sovreignty character of God, but faith without works is dead.
So do you truly believe if you aren't actively engaged in bringing hope to the nations?
Not much.
For predestination believes that some people are predestined to hell.
And all over the world there are people who have never heard the gospel. And how can they believe if they haven't heard? And how can they be saved if they don't believe?
So if you believe that God wants all men to be saved then YOU must help provide them the opportunity. You can sit around in North America all day and debate the predestination and sovreignty character of God, but faith without works is dead.
So do you truly believe if you aren't actively engaged in bringing hope to the nations?
Friday, December 23, 2005
Thursday, December 22, 2005
My Grandfather
My Grandfather was a veteran of world war II. He was wounded twice. He had metal from the shrapnel that hit him that worked its way out of his eyes his entire life. He was a farmer. He owned over a couple hundred acres of farm land in Tennessee. He was up every morning before 5 am to study the Bible before starting his day. When he passed away they found thousands of dollars stored in some of his overalls in his closet because he didn't trust banks. He never talked on the phone. Most of his life was spent without indoor plumbing. He was a simple man. He had a twinkle in his eye whenever one of his grandchildren were mentioned. When did he pass away? 1997. Why am I writing about him now? Because I am sitting in my wife's grandmother's house. My wife's grandfather passed away this year and we are down here with their family for the first Christmas without him. Since its Christmas and all perhaps there is someone we can all thank God for whether they are still with us or with Him.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Ice Storm
In honor of the ice storm that swept through last evening:
Tree of white, leaves from sight,
Ice covered, frost bitten, dark of night,
Do you dare trust the Sun to melt the pain,
Or do thoughts of refreezing, your war paths tame?
Oh Beautiful, but frost covered tree,
listen to hear the warm melody,
open your branches where the birds may sing,
Open your branches its spring, Its Spring!
Tree of white, leaves from sight,
Ice covered, frost bitten, dark of night,
Do you dare trust the Sun to melt the pain,
Or do thoughts of refreezing, your war paths tame?
Oh Beautiful, but frost covered tree,
listen to hear the warm melody,
open your branches where the birds may sing,
Open your branches its spring, Its Spring!
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
I've been tagged
Five things about something...
1. I know how to say "the frog is ribbotting in the marsh" in Kartuli which is the official language of The Republic of Georgia.
2. I hate tag games.
3. Will Bill Gates give me some money now?
4. I hate forwarded emails.
5. I love Christmas and start thinking about it in June.
PS I am not going to tag anyone so no one else has to go through this.
1. I know how to say "the frog is ribbotting in the marsh" in Kartuli which is the official language of The Republic of Georgia.
2. I hate tag games.
3. Will Bill Gates give me some money now?
4. I hate forwarded emails.
5. I love Christmas and start thinking about it in June.
PS I am not going to tag anyone so no one else has to go through this.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Doing the Most Good
Ok. So I am late to the party but it took me a while to form an opinion I wanted to share on this one...
I was in class tonight and we were using the analogy of a lake as the way organizations and churches work. On the outside of an organization all you see is the surface. As on the outside of the lake all you may see is the water and some ducks. But underneath the surface there all kinds of dynamics going on.
For instance, people see bell ringers, thrift stores and disaster canteens. That is the surface of the organization. But underneath the surface are the myths that we all buy into...listen to one:
While women weep as they do now, I'll fight.
While children go hungry as they do now, I'll fight.
While men go to prison, in and out, in and out, I'll fight.
While there remains one drunkard, one poor girl on the streets,
While there remains one dark soul without the light of God I'll fight, I'll fight to the very end!
W. Booth (supposedly)
And another:
"Wherever on earth there is a soul, there, in measure, must beat the heart of The Salvation Army." -Mrs. Commissioner Booth Tucker
These are the statements buried way down, deep in the mud of the so called organizational lake. Though they are not readily seen by the public they are foundational to the whole chemistry of the lake.
What I feel is that I wish, personally, that our brand came from somewhere deeper in our organizational fabric. To me it is a bobber when it should be an anchor. There was a Christian song that was popular a few years ago that went:
I'm diving in, I'm going deep in over my head,
I want to be Caught in the rush, lost in the flow,
in over my head, I want to go
The river's deep, the river's wide, the river's water is alive
So sink or swim, I'm diving in
Stephen Curtis Chapman
Joy asked how to do we engage the public with our faith? Well in my mind our organization has to do it with its statements as well as our soldiers with their personal ones.
I was in class tonight and we were using the analogy of a lake as the way organizations and churches work. On the outside of an organization all you see is the surface. As on the outside of the lake all you may see is the water and some ducks. But underneath the surface there all kinds of dynamics going on.
For instance, people see bell ringers, thrift stores and disaster canteens. That is the surface of the organization. But underneath the surface are the myths that we all buy into...listen to one:
While women weep as they do now, I'll fight.
While children go hungry as they do now, I'll fight.
While men go to prison, in and out, in and out, I'll fight.
While there remains one drunkard, one poor girl on the streets,
While there remains one dark soul without the light of God I'll fight, I'll fight to the very end!
W. Booth (supposedly)
And another:
"Wherever on earth there is a soul, there, in measure, must beat the heart of The Salvation Army." -Mrs. Commissioner Booth Tucker
These are the statements buried way down, deep in the mud of the so called organizational lake. Though they are not readily seen by the public they are foundational to the whole chemistry of the lake.
What I feel is that I wish, personally, that our brand came from somewhere deeper in our organizational fabric. To me it is a bobber when it should be an anchor. There was a Christian song that was popular a few years ago that went:
I'm diving in, I'm going deep in over my head,
I want to be Caught in the rush, lost in the flow,
in over my head, I want to go
The river's deep, the river's wide, the river's water is alive
So sink or swim, I'm diving in
Stephen Curtis Chapman
Joy asked how to do we engage the public with our faith? Well in my mind our organization has to do it with its statements as well as our soldiers with their personal ones.
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